A review by esperata
Star Trek Into Darkness by Alan Dean Foster

2.0

The original 'Wrath of Khan' film was an emotional recognition for Kirk that he couldn't always win - he couldn't always save everyone. 'Into Darkness' always missed that point and actually does the opposite. It starts with him flaunting the Prime Directive to rescue Spock. the needs of the many do not in fact here outweigh the needs of the few.
However good books have been written from poor films before, and it has a good author, so I gave this book a chance. I got the distinct impression Alan Dean Foster didn't care for the film either.
There are no additional explanations, such as why Kirk would interrupt his interview with Khan solely to allow the narrative to introduce a tribble. Nor are there any extra details, not even the replacement communications officer's name (simply referred to as Uhura's replacement). And I still don't know why nobody called McCoy when Kirk was dying.
I can't blame the author for the inadequacies of the film (whoever thought having Khan's blood bring back the dead needs to take a lot of the blame) but I can blame him for not trying to rescue something from it. Two stars because it at least accurately follows the film.